Anyone else worried about being due during peak FLU season?!

I don't normally get the flu shot, and my other kids don't every year, but this year we all plan to. Last year the flu was awful across the nation! Anyone else worried about having a baby during this germy time of year? Also, are you asking the grandparents or others that will be around the baby to get vaccinated? My in-laws are opposed and I told them to consider it since it will help protect the baby and me. Thoughts on all this??? I'm nervous that I or someone in our immediate family will be sick when the baby arrives or soon after.

Comments (23)

Yes, it is definitely a concern for me. However, my husband and I are both getting the flu shot (he already got his), and most of my family has either already gotten it or are going to (not because of the baby, just by their own choice).

Also we already have plans for keeping safe once the baby arrives: during that time, anyone who is sick or starting to not feel well will have to wait until they're clear of everything. We'll be strictly enforcing good handwashing before touching the baby. No one can kiss the baby or put him up to their face. And my niece and nephews (nasty school system germs!!!) will have to wear a mask. I'll also be keeping masks at my house and diaper bag, just in case someone's been around others who've been sick, even if they themselves feel fine. We're not taking the baby out in public for the first month and will not be allowing visitors outside of our immediate/close family during the first few weeks as well. These are all what my sister did when her daughter was born (she was an early February/flu season baby) and both herself and the baby were perfectly fine.

I feel like between all of that and us getting vaccinated, we're doing the best we can to keep myself and the baby safe during flu season. That's really all you can do. So I try not to get too stressed about it.

I am worried too! I am only allowing people over who have gotten the flu shot. I told that to our family and they seem fine with it. I’m also going to be crazy with hand washing/no kissing/no little kids until he gets a bit older. We’re also not having anyone in the hospital. Pass the baby gives me anxiety, especially with so much going around in winter. People may have hurt feelings but babies health is way more important! I know of horror stories and I am just not willing to risk it.

Flu shot or not we will likely not be having visitors until our current youngest's birthday in early May. We have 4 kids in elementary school that bring enough germs home that we don't need any extra. We are busy people so we won't be holed up in the house but nobody other than the people who live in our home will be holding baby for the first few months.

I can’t force anyone to get the flu shot outside of my the people under my roof, but I’ll tell you right now- they won’t be able to come over and visit until I get the official “flu-season-is-over” email from My infectious disease director at work (I work for a hospital). I don’t want to risk it and like PP (previous poster) have said I’ve got school aged kiddos who bring home enough germs, i don’t need extra.

Yes. I'll probably stay baby wearing because I remember from my first how little respect strangers have for a baby's personal space. It's the worst. It's not realistic to expect most of us to stay in until the season is over.

I’ve never had a flu shot and I have older children who haven’t, either. This year, we are all getting it. I have a 3 yo that started preschool in Aug and she has been sick ever since. I’m seriously just waiting on a day where she is well enough to get it. My 2 year old has had an ear infection so long and so bad that he’s being referred to an ENT for tubes. The poor baby has been on antibiotics for a MONTH and just had rocephin in both legs. (Ouch) It originated with the cold she first brought home and shared. I’m over it. I’m sick of them feeling bad! We aren’t taking any chances. I went three years with her and almost two with him, never ever getting sick. Now they can’t get over it.

I can’t get the flu shot (face swelling reaction in the past) but I would never get it during pregnancy anyway. There are so many germs to be worried about and yes I’m freaked. ESP RSV. This is my 4th baby. So I’m going to be extra cautious with the older kids (not in public school yet) leading up to the birth. Then we will pretty much go on lockdown for a while. I’ve always had summer babies 😬

We are getting our flu shot and we get it every year. We will also get the Tdap and I will suggest my in-laws get it too. They will be here to help us after our little boy arrives. My SIL (sister-in-law) is supposed to come with her kids and I’m fine with that, but I told my husband that if any of them are sick I’d prefer them to wait till they are better. We will go to our in-laws home after about 1-2 months and then people can visit with baby then. That’s still provided they aren’t all sick. If they are, everyone will have to wait till we go to a family members wedding in April!

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